Mpox spreads mainly through sexual contact and/or close contact with someone who already has the viral infection. In rare cases, it also can be spread from the environment to people via things and surfaces that a person with mpox has touched.
Close contact includes being face-to-face (such as talking or breathing close to one another, which can generate droplets or short-range aerosols); skin-to-skin (such as touching or vaginal/anal sex); mouth-to-mouth (such as kissing); or mouth-to-skin contact (such as oral sex or kissing the skin). During the global outbreak that began in 2022, the virus mainly spread through sexual contact.
People who have close contact (including sexual contact) with someone who has mpox are at risk. The current outbreak of mpox (as of 2023) seems to be prominent in communities of gay and bisexual men, according to data from the CDC. While mpox has been reported in this community, anyone who comes into contact with the virus is at risk of contracting mpox, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
It is important to note, too, that those with advanced HIV (who are immunocompromised) are at increased risk of severe mpox and death in the event they do become infected.
Yes. There is a vaccine available for mpox. Providers are required to administer this vaccine to all who request it, regardless of ability to pay.
Anyone who believes they may be at high risk of coming into contact with the virus is urged to get the vaccine. You should also consider other methods of staying safe, such as the following:
- Considering your level of risk in social situations, especially in sexual encounters.
- Avoiding close contact with those exhibiting any symptoms of mpox, especially unexplained rashes of any kind.
- Sanitizing objects and surfaces shared with someone who is or may be infected with the virus and washing hands frequently.
CALOR is a Chicago-based non-profit that provides holistic planning and coordination of health services to Latinos at risk of or living with HIV/AIDS and/or other disabilities to empower them to live and work in the community.
We are dedicated to educating our community about mpox and raising awareness about the availability of the mpox vaccine. As a part of these efforts, we are proud to launch our Mpox Awareness Ambassador Program. Our ambassadors will be attending community events, raising awareness on social media, and helping vulnerable communities access the mpox vaccine. Get to know our mpox ambassadors today.
Rosalba Valdez
- Preferred Name: Rosalba Valdez
- Occupation: Singer/Songwriter
- Age: 24
- Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
- Instagram handle: @rosalbavaldez_
Rosalba Valdez is a Mexican-American singer/songwriter from Chicago. Since age five, she has been singing and playing guitar for Sunday church services, events, rallies, and protests. Growing up in an environment of activism and public engagement, she found her voice and power through music, learning that she could advocate for change in her community while pursuing her passion for music.
Angelicia Marquez
- Preferred name: Angelicia Marquez
- Occupation: burlesque showgirl/show producer/event hostess
- Age: 30
- Pronouns: She/Her
- Insta handle: @angeliciamarquez
Angelicia Marquez is an artist, entertainer, and businesswoman from Chicago. She takes pride in where she comes from and stands tall for those who do not have a platform. Angelicia does her best to be a source of positivity, believing that there is something special about everyone’s life. Angelicia’s greatest inspiration is her mother. She continues to work hard to chase her dreams in her mother’s honor.
Jalen “Boyj” Manuel
- Preferred Name: Boyj
- Occupation: Drag Queen
- Age: 29
- Pronouns: He/Him
- Instagram: @Boyj_
From North Carolina, Jalen BoyJ Manuel shakes things up in the best way possible by using his charm, grace, and exquisite fashion to be the most boigeous of them all.
Alondra Carmona
- Prefer Name: Alondra Carmona
- Occupation: Sales/Marketing
- Age: 25
- Pronouns: She/Hers
- Instagram: @alondrac.21
Alondra Carmona was born in Mexico and raised in Chicago. She received her bachelor's in psychology from Middlebury College and was awarded the Posse full-tuition leadership scholarship. She is passionate about learning new things, cooking, and spreading positivity, and hopes to one day own and run her own business in Chicago.
Darren Parker
- Prefer Name: Darren Parker
- Occupation: Dental Assistant
- Age: 33
- Pronouns: He/Him/His
- Instagram handler: @Spiderman904
Darren Parker has worked in the medical field for the last 13 years with the military and local communities. He has served as an educator and has conducted trainings on sexually transmitted diseases and HIV prevention.
Eve Estrella
- Prefer Name: Eve Estrella
- Occupation: Mental health coach and Public speaker.
- Age: 24
- Pronouns: She/Her
- Instagram: @jurassiceve
Eve Estrella Stiles is a proud undocumented transgender woman from Mexico. Currently living on the Northwest side of Chicago in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood, Eva dedicates her free time to mental health awareness and projects that allow her to help others learn the critical role mental health can play in our lives.
Milani Varela
- Preferred Name: Milani Varela
- Occupation: Community Organizer
- Age: Ageless
- Pronouns: She/Hers/They/Them
- Instagram handle: @millusi0n
Milani Varela is an Afro-Latinx, gender-nonconforming drag performer and activist. Milani is also a Lead Navigator for Essential Support Services & HIV Tester and counselor at CALOR. They are one of the “POZ 100” in POZ magazine, a Community Advisory Board member at Getting to Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) from AFC, and an Ambassador for CDC’s “Let’s Stop HIV Together.” As the former mother of the Iconic House of Ninja, Milani is the reigning National Diosa Latina USA Plus for 2023 and a cast member in the film “HIV & The Journey Towards Zero part 2: The LEGACY” where she shares her journey of living with HIV.
Sol Nolasco
- Preferred Name: Sol Ruby
- Occupation: Singer-Songwriter & Dancer
- Age: 21
- Pronouns: She/Her
- Instagram: @soll.rubyy
Sol Ruby is a singer-songwriter, dancer, and creative director. Born and raised in Chicago, her love for art expression began at a young age. As she grew up, she honed her songwriting skills and currently is attending school for music. Taking part in many projects and events, she intertwines her passions of music and dance, allowing her to be fluid within both mediums.